scripture

noun

scrip·​ture ˈskrip(t)-shər 

1

a(1)

capitalized : the books of the Bible

—often used in plural

(2)

often capitalized : a passage from the Bible

b

: a body of writings considered sacred or authoritative

2

: something written

the primitive man's awe for any scripture

—George Santayana

Synonyms

• Bible
• Book
• Good Book
• Holy Writ

Examples of scripture in a Sentence

someone who frequently quotes Scripture

Recent Examples on the Web

Cerny’s last visit to Valparaiso University was in 2012 to promote a set of audio Bible recordings featuring a who’s who of famed names lending their vocals to bring to life greats of the scripture. —Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025

Those in favor point to evidence for female deacons in scripture and their presence in the early church right up until the Middle Ages. Women deacons could also bolster the church’s presence in schools, hospitals and prisons, along with providing leaders for Catholic communities. —Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 26 Apr. 2025

Critics saw in these sermons superficial, saccharine notes divorced from scripture. —Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2025

The obvious answer to why Easter is on a Sunday, though, lies in scripture: the Gospels state that Jesus was resurrected on the first day of the week, which is Sunday. —Rebecca Schneid, Time, 19 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin scriptura, from Latin, act or product of writing, from scriptus

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Kids Definition

scripture

noun

scrip·​ture ˈskrip-chər 

1

a

capitalized : the books of the Old and New Testaments or of either of them : bible

—often used in plural

b

often capitalized : a portion of writing from the Bible

2

: the sacred writings of a religion

Etymology

Middle English scripture, Scripture "the books of the Bible," from Latin scriptura (same meaning), from earlier scriptura "the act or product of writing," from scriptus, past participle of scribere "to write" — related to scribe